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1973 Rolex Air-King 5500 - Stainless Steel Silver Sunburst Dial

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Details
The Quintessential Entry To Vintage Rolex
The Air-King 5500 is one of the longest-running references in the brand's history, and for good reason. It is Rolex at its purest: a clean, time-only design in a stainless steel Oyster case, built to be a reliable daily companion. The 5500 represents an era of understated watchmaking, where legibility and durability were the primary goals. It is the foundation of the Oyster Perpetual line and remains one of the most honest and accessible ways to own a piece of the Crown's history.
Classic Proportions, Timeless Dial
This example from 1973 features the most classic and sought-after configuration, the silver sunburst dial. It is a finish that plays with the light beautifully without ever being loud. The case size, once considered modest, is now appreciated for its classic proportions and comfort on the wrist. Paired with a leather strap, this Air-King shifts from a sporty field watch to a more elegant daily piece, proving its versatility across decades.
An Honest, Well-Kept Example
This watch is in good overall condition. The stainless steel case has been polished in the past but retains its classic profile. The silver sunburst dial is clean, and the crystal is in great shape. It presents as a handsome and straightforward vintage piece that has been properly maintained. As with every watch we offer, this piece has been verified as mechanically sound and is ready to wear.
The Perfect Starting Point
This is the right watch for someone looking to get into vintage Rolex without the complexities or inflated prices of the sport models. Its simple, robust automatic movement and clean aesthetic make it an ideal choice for everyday wear. The case size works for a wide range of wrists and slides easily under a cuff. It is a watch that does not need to shout to be noticed, confident in its own history and design purity.
Key Specs
Reference: 5500
Model: Air-King
Year: 1973
Movement: Automatic
Case Size: 34mm (Excluding Crown)
Bezel: Smooth Stainless Steel
Strap: Leather
Dial: Silver Sunburst
Metal: Stainless Steel
SKU: 1298

What Our Clients Say About Us

Dan Young
4 months ago

I knew I was gonna like Danny, based on his name, but nothing could’ve prepared me for how great of an experience this was. He had the most beautiful 70s Seamaster Cosmic on his website and I was set to be married 2 days later - I arranged to buy it but before leaving we both realized it needed to be serviced. I panicked, because I was literally buying this for my wedding, and Danny being the legend he is, loaned me a nearly identical Seamaster to make sure I could get through the event Never have I had someone go so above and beyond for me, especially while purchasing one of the lesser priced items in their inventory. He serviced my watch and exchanged it with me after the wedding on a super fast turnaround timeline. I would sincerely recommend you visit this guy, you will not be disappointed Edit: adding a pic of the loaner (two tone) and the owner (crosshair)

Patrick Farella
5 months ago

Great service and shop. Danny and his team were incredibly accommodating, professional, and kind. Great selection of vintage watches. Their store is the hidden gem in the diamond district.

Zee06
2 months ago

This was my first real luxury watch purchase, a Rolex 15200 Date 34mm, I own Tissots and a Laco, but those are entry level luxury watches. I found Danny’s Vintage Watches online, and had great feedback both on Google, Chrono24 and the Reddit watch community. So decided to give him a shot as buying online can be a crap shoot. Ordered Monday night, was at my doorstep Friday morning. Despite the watch being over 30 years old, serial number says it’s from 91, the watch looked new. Didn’t come with box or papers, and was shipped in a plastic sleeve wrapped in bubble wrap. Danny was always available to answer questions. I’ll be buying from Danny again for the next purchase…saw a couple of Speedmasters on his site I liked….

Mohammed Islam
4 months ago

Can't recommend Danny's vintage watches enough!!! My first Omega ever and im in love have been wearing every day since I purchased it. Danny's shop is a must visit if you are in NYC looking for a watch!!!